Ortt presents $50,000 to Lockport City School District for 'TechMobile'

Submitted

Thu, Sep 22nd 2016 08:00 pm

New York State Sen. Rob Ortt presented
a ceremonial check Thursday to the Lockport City School District in the amount
of $50,000 to help purchase a van that'll be used as a "TechMobile."

During the summer months, the "TechMobile"
will stop at different neighborhoods throughout the city, so individuals can
have access to technology, books, arts and crafts and healthy snacks.

"The 'TechMobile' is a unique
concept that engages both kids and adults of all ages," Ortt said. "It's my
pleasure to be able to support this project that brings the community together,
and gets children outside, interacting with each other while keeping their
minds active during the summer break."

Superintendent Michelle T. Bradley
said, "Lockport City School District is very appreciative of the attention by
and generosity of Sen. Ortt in support of the district's first-ever 'TechMobile'
project. Many of our students come from economically disadvantaged circumstances,
so this provides them with an opportunity to improve their skills and helps to
level the playing field for them. The 'TechMobile' provides all of our children
with a distinct advantage that'll prepare them for their future."

This past summer, the school
district borrowed a Ridge Road Express bus to use as a makeshift "TechMobile,"
visiting two neighborhoods a day, four days a week. Working with the Lockport
Public Library, the "TechMobile" was able to bring educational activities,
iPads equipped with math and ELA apps, and books to more than 900 kids and
adults.

The funding, secured by Ortt as
part of the 2016-17 state budget, will allow the Lockport City School District
to purchase its own vehicle for next summer. The school district is currently
working on a customized design for the "TechMobile."